Letter: How is book banning helping our kids?

Today news horrifies, shocks or deeply saddens the spirit of many days. Among these adverse reactions exist confusion and worry. My concern focuses on increasing stories about book banning. The world faced this in previous times. Like most of history, it appears to be a lesson not learned. In more than several states (Tennessee and Texas among them) Spiegelman's Pulitzer Prize-winning early graphic novel, "Maus" (1991) and other acclaimed books were banned.

The banning cited the mention of suicide, inappropriate language, sensitive topic (the Holocaust), and one drawing of nudity. Without question, this banning led to numerous school districts banning books.

The list of banned books nationwide is extensive and surprising, really almost laughable. Many of the books have long been taught in junior and senior high schools including "Roll of Thunder," "Hear My Cry," and "Are You There, God?" "It's Me, Margaret," "Catcher in the Rye," "1984" and "Lord of the Flies." The most ridiculous was "Charlotte's Web," banned in Kansas 10 years ago (and since lifted.)

A primary cause of banning appears that school readers might feel uncomfortable and be exposed to divergent points of view.

Ten years ago I taught a presentation on "Maus" in a suburban junior high school. It was well received. This fell at the advent of graphic novels in schools. The style and content told a very important story - the Holocaust - and the students listened.

I stand appalled at the idea that we need to protect kids from human events in order to do what, I ask? Learning and discussing history including its triumphs and tragedies is life. I fail to see how banning books help kids think and learn.

Jennifer Buehler Shaw

Barrington